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MAINSTREAM RESEARCH NEWS

THE NEWSLETTER FOR HSE'S MAINSTREAM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME

ISSUE 14
OCTOBER 2000




DISSEMINATION MATTERS

Research projects commissioned in the Mainstream S&T Programme culminate, wherever possible, in the production of a published report, documenting the work undertaken during the course of the project, the findings and the conclusions or recommendations drawn.

There are currently two publication series within the Mainstream Science and Technology Programme: Contract Research Reports (CRRs) and Offshore Technology (OT) Reports. A considerable amount of time and effort has been spent on making these reports available via the internet, and a significant proportion of the back-catalogue of CRR and OT reports are now available for free download in portable document format (pdf) from the HSE website at the following address:

www.hse.gov.uk/research/index.htm (under research publications).

Once the complete back-catalogue of CRR and OT reports has been reviewed and the reports placed on the internet, the intention is to place the reports onto the website as they are produced.

Rather than downloading a copy of a report, glossy, hard copies of research reports can still be purchased from HSE Books. The pricing structure has been reviewed, and whereas previously a research report could have cost as much as £175, their cost is now unlikely to exceed £40.

HSE's Health and Safety Laboratories (HSL) are reviewing their back-catalogue of HSE project reports with a view to placing these on the internet. Once this suite of reports is uploaded it is intended to introduce a single publication stream encompassing reports that would have become either CRR, OT or HSL reports.

For further information contact:

Mr A Brown, Head of RSU.
0114 289 2321


WHAT'S NEW?

THE EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ADVICE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

(Contractor: Institute of Occupational Health, University of Birmingham)

Changes in the British economy have led to a significant increase in the proportion of workers employed in small enterprises and a corresponding decrease in the number of workers with ready access to occupational health support and advice. Such workers often have no alternative but to seek advice from their GP, who may not have sufficient resource or expertise to deal with the issue. Occupational health advisers working in seven city Occupational Health Projects (in Sheffield, Rotherham, London, Lothian, Liverpool, Leeds and Bradford) have been providing an occupational health advisory service to primary care patients (in surgery waiting rooms) for several years. Outcomes include empowerment of the worker to influence better health and safety provision at the workplace and identification of the role of work tasks and activities in the onset of health problems and hence improved diagnosis and treatment. Enough experience of this approach has now been gained to justify its formal evaluation. This project will investigate whether the provision of advice on workplace hazards to people in the primary health care setting results in improvements in their working environment. The project will also examine how such changes in the working environment were achieved and the consequent benefits to the person advised and/or others, or where appropriate, why change could not be achieved.

For further information contact:
Ms J Manson (0207 717 6229)

AVAILABILITY, QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF TRAINING FOR WOODWORKING OPERATORS AND SUPERVISORS

(Contractor: HSL)

Woodworking is the only remaining industry where employees have to regularly work with machinery where the cutting tools or blades are necessarily exposed. Woodworking machinery causes significantly more major injuries than machinery in any other industry, and during the period 1997/98, the incidence rate for major injuries was 106.7 per 100,000 employed whilst the average across all industry was 35.7. Of particular concern is the statistically significant fact that the total number of reported woodworking machinery accidents is rising. Ill health is also a concern. Workers in this sector report high levels of manual handling injuries, the incidence of which is increasing. Other hazards, such as noise dust and vibration are also present in woodworking premises.

Adequate training is vital for both users of woodworking machinery and their supervisors in order to ensure that safe working practices are followed and that safety and health risks are reduced. The number of colleges offering woodworking training appears to be declining, and HSE has received reports from employers and trade associations that difficulties in procuring woodworking training either on or off-site have been experienced. Industry-lead bodies have indicated that there is poor uptake of available NVQs and that training seems to come primarily from employers in the workplace.

This project aims to examine the availability of suitable training and to establish what training is currently delivered to woodworking machinists and their supervisors, how it is delivered and to what standard. Where standards of training or training arrangements are found to be inadequate, the project will seek to identify ways in which HSE can influence employers and training providers to improve the quality and standard of training provided.

For further information contact:
Mr A Hodkinson (0247 669 6518)

AUTOIGNITION OF GASEOUS HYDROCARBONS NEAR A HOT SURFACE

(Contractor: Shell Global Solutions)

There are many industrial applications where a flammable gas/air mixture can develop near a hot surface, for example: on chemical plants; in petrochemical installations both on and offshore; and in gas turbine halls. Autoignition is a notoriously complex phenomenon. Data are available on the effect of gas volume, surface material composition and other variables, on autoignition temperature (AIT). However, there is little information on the fundamental physics and chemistry of autoignition by hot surfaces. The ignition potential is currently assessed by comparing the surface temperature with the AIT of the gas mixture. However, the reported AIT can vary by several hundred 0C for a given mixture in more realistic geometries. Current methods used to assess the ignition potential of hot surfaces may thus be unduly conservative.

The contractor has carried out work previously to investigate hot surface ignition and has developed a unique chemical kinetics/computational fluid dynamics code to model the fundamental physics and chemistry of autoignition by hot surfaces. The aim of this project is to carry out a series of additional experiments to look at the autoignition of methane by hot surfaces. These results will then be used to further develop, calibrate and verify the performance of the existing computer model.

For further information contact:
Dr H James (0161 952 8200)

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS

(Contractor: University of Southampton)

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 are integrated within a substantial framework of regulatory provisions which apply in the UK with an aim of preventing noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). The extent to which these provisions are effective in preventing the development of NIHL is difficult to establish. This is partly due to the long latency period before damage of NIHL becomes apparent using traditional methods of detection, but also because there is no statutory requirement to report cases of NIHL.

NIHL involves a loss of outer hair cell function within the cochlea in the ear. Health surveillance for noise exposed workers is required under the Management of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, and occupational audiometry does provide an indication of damage to hearing resulting from exposure to noise. However, the varying quality of audiometric assessments, the subjective nature of the test and inherent methodological difficulties make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the regulatory framework using this methodology alone, particularly in the short term.

The emergence of techniques to evoke otoacoustic emissions has enabled non-invasive, objective and fast assessment of cochlea function. There is evidence that otoacoustic emissions are sensitive to the early stages of cochlea dysfunction as indicated by a reduced mechanical responsiveness of the cochlea to sound. The use of this objective measurement technique, together with assessment of compliance to the Regulations by employers, in a longitudinal study of young workers entering noise and non-noise exposed workforces has the potential to enable evaluation of the effectiveness of the Noise at Work Regulations. This project aims to establish whether young workers entering employment in noisy industries experience decrement in their hearing level, greater than that of workers entering jobs with no noise exposure.

For further information contact:
Dr R McCaig (0151 951 4120)

DECOMMISSIONING AND REMOVAL OF CONCRETE GRAVITY STRUCTURES IN THE UK CONTINENTAL SHELF (UKCS)

(Contractor: WS Atkins Consultants)

Of the nine concrete gravity structures installed in the British sector of the North Sea, several were designed and constructed almost 25 years ago. At that time, little attention was given to any eventual need to remove these structures. Existing evidence suggests that a number of these structures may be unable to retain sufficient structural integrity (during attempts to re-ballast and refloat them) to allow their safe removal. However, although safe removal of the whole structures could be unlikely, it still may be reasonably practicable to remove the upper parts (towers) to a depth of around 75 metres to provide as much clearance as possible below the still water level. The aim of this Joint Industry Project is to assess the feasibility of partial removal of concrete gravity structures in the UKCS from the seabed after decommissioning, in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner.

For further information contact:
Mr G Morrison (01224 252 500)

CRANE INFORMATION DATA PROJECT

(Contractor: A1 Safety Training Consultants 1995)

The aim of this project is to provide a crane information database, containing major technical information and incident data for every offshore pedestal crane currently operating in the UK sector of the North Sea. This currently involves approximately 600 cranes on fixed installations and a further 180 on mobile installations. Because of the numbers of cranes involved, there is great variation in their type, design, operational capability, incident history and modification record across the sector. The project will produce a comprehensive record for each crane and a methodology for maintaining the currency of the information, reflecting both changes which may occur to the actual cranes themselves and the changing locations of mobile installations.

The information will enable HSE inspectors to better target their inspections and audits in this particular area and will help to improve efficiency when they are visiting duty holders' offshore installations.

For further information contact:
Mr J MacFarlane (0151 951 4796)

META ANALYSIS: IMPACT OF WORK-RELATED STRESS ON HEALTH

(Contractor: UMIST)

Some previous research has suggested that recent changes in working practices (new ways of working) may have implications for the physical and mental health of employees.

The potential problems identified are global, but some may be more prevalent in the UK. In particular, there is evidence that the UK has developed a culture of long working hours. The existing literature on the health impact of these workplace changes is large, disparate and often contradictory, and although some underlying trends have been identified, it is unclear as to whether HSE is justified in acting on them. There is a clear need for the research to be rigorously reviewed and summarised. The findings from such an exercise have the potential to inform and focus future research and practice in this area. This project will involve a comprehensive search of the published literature from around the world. Those articles suitable for meta analysis will then be selected using standardised criteria. A series of meta analyses will then be undertaken to collate and summarise the relationships between physical and mental well being and each of the following: working hours; job satisfaction; management style; job control and job security.

For further information contact:
Dr S Bristow (0207 717 6987)


EXAMPLES OF RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS

EFFICACY OF WATER DELUGE AGAINST BUTANE JET FIRES

(Contractor: Shell Global Solutions (UK))

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage tanks are provided with water sprays, referred to as water deluge, to protect them in the event of a fire. This protection has been shown to be effective against pool fires, but uncertainties remained regarding the degree of protection provided from a jet fire caused by liquid or two-phase release of LPG.

In 1996, a HSE-funded project was undertaken to study, at full scale, the performance of a water spray system in protecting an empty 13 tonne LPG vessel subjected to jet fire impingement from liquid propane. The results, reported in Contract Research Report (CRR) 137/97, showed that the typical water deluge system found on an LPG storage tank cannot be relied upon to maintain a water film over the whole vessel surface in an impinging propane jet fire scenario.

The aim of this subsequent work was to extend the existing knowledge to include the effects of butane jet fire impingement on an LPG vessel. Butane jet fires were known to have different characteristics and consequently may result in different conclusions to those already drawn for propane. Twenty butane jet fire impingement tests were carried out, which provided a direct comparison with the propane tests in the earlier work. The results were in fact similar. Water deluge did not always prevent dry patches appearing along the top of the LPG vessel, although the patches were generally smaller than those seen during the propane jet fire tests. The water deluge had similar effects on the butane jet fire as those seen for propane. Luminocity and smoke were reduced and a lower rate of wall temperature rise at the dry patches was produced when compared to a jet fire-impinged, undeluged vessel. A butane jet fire impingment test was repeated with a longer duration of 10 minutes, at which time the maximum temperature of the small dry patch had stabilised at 360oC. A final test was performed with a duration of 20 minutes. One of the water nozzles was blocked to produce a larger dry patch. The maximum temperature of this patch stabilised at 580oC. At this temperature the steel wall of the LPG vessel would be severely weakened, but may not necessarily fail.

The results from this work will be published in HSE's CRR series.

For further information contact:
Eur.Ing. M Goose (0151 951 4012)

STABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF 3- AND 4-WHEELED VEHICLES

(Contractor: Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd)

The incidence of forklift and dumper truck rollover has been a source of concern for sometime, as death or severe injuries of the drivers can occur as they try to escape their rolling vehicle. Previous research has already examined the baseline stability of industrial and agricultural machinery, but the rate at which a vehicle rolls had not already been considered. This study, a successful bid in HSE's Competition of Ideas exercise, was conducted in three phases. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken, the results of which were used to aid development of a technique to predict the forward speed and rate a given vehicle will roll and the duration of a roll 'event'. The technique was developed using an advanced programming language (IDL), based on a true dynamic, real time simulation. Where possible, the methodology was simplified into an Excel spreadsheet format. This was found to provide results consistently within 5% of those predicted by the IDL version. Several types of forklift and dumper truck have been assessed and a parametric study has been carried out to consider the variation of geometrical and mechanical parameters and the effects these changes have on vehicle performance. The results of this work will be published in HSE's CRR series

For further information contact:
Mr G Male (0151 951 4034)

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN POTTERIES

(Contractor: University of Leeds)

Evaluation of performance (dust protection, wear and comfort) was carried out on two polyester fabrics used to make protective clothing for pottery workers. The most commonly used fabric had good abrasion resistance, high tear and tensile strength and moderate moisture vapour transmission (MVT), but was uncomfortable to wear. Before use, the fabric had acceptable dust protection properties. After a few laundering cycles the particle exclusion efficiency deteriorated, compromising protection.

Six alternative fabrics from a group of 22 were chosen with the aim of recommending a replacement for the current fabric. All had much improved dust exclusion properties, especially after laundering, as well as better MVT values. The group of chosen fabrics contained examples of polyamide/polyester tightly woven fabrics, and both hydrophilic and microporous-coated tightly woven polyamide based fibres. In factory trials, all fabrics provided improved comfort in comparison to the current fabric. An effective method was established for the testing of comfort within the clothing microclimate of the worker. Temperature and relative humidity sensors, together with datalogging devices, were employed to record data throughout the working day. Parameters evaluated for the measurement of comfort, particularly water vapour concentration both within and outside the clothing microclimate, were compared with subjective tests. The most effective fabrics were determined and recommendations for replacement fabrics made. A comprehensive assessment of male and female style overalls was also undertaken and an improved design was proposed to provide greater comfort and practicability.

For further information contact:
Ms L Boulton (01782 602300)

MANAGING POST INCIDENT TRAUMA IN THE UK POLICE FORCE

(Contractor: Glasgow Caledonian University)

This study aimed to assess the incidence and effects of post trauma reactions to critical incidents in two police services: Strathclyde and the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The study compared the experience of traumatic reactions across these two different policing contexts and examined aspects of the person and their working environment that may influence the way critical incidents are coped with. The study also aimed to look at how UK police organisations protect officers from the effects of critical incidents.

Strathclyde group - questionnaires were sent out to 1245 officers (612 returned) ranging in rank from above probationer to chief inspector. Occupational groups studied included officers in traffic, mobile and foot patrol, authorised firearm, the female and child unit, CID, scenes of crime unit and support unit. RUC group - questionnaires were sent to 1600 officers (768 returned) in the same ranks and groups as the Strathclyde group, with the exception of the inclusion of superintendents in the RUC group.

The results highlighted the incidence and effects of critical incidents. When a critical incident is placed in the context of other dissatisfactions within the workplace, this more demanding aspect of police work can be overwhelming. In such cases it is important that sensitive support is offered. The approach of the supervisor to the officer after the incident is crucial to the way it is managed. Supportive supervision is essential. Critical incidents can lead to chronic psychological distress, the use of poor coping strategies and alienation from family and colleagues. Such problems may be overcome by encouraging officers to take care of themselves both psychologically and emotionally.

The report will be published in HSE's CRR series

For further information contact:
Mr S Lee (0207 717 6593)

ASSESSMENT OF A CONTINUOUS MINER 'WET HEAD' SYSTEM

(Contractor: IMC Technical Services Ltd)

Continuous miners have been in use in the UK for many years, although until the late 1980's only in limited numbers and mostly in the coalfields of North East England. However, with the general introduction of roofbolting as the primary means of roadway support in most UK collieries, and the consequent adoption of rectangular section roadways, use of continuous miner type machines has increased significantly. Because these machines are now operating within mixed coal and stone strata (sometimes including hard sandstone) the newer continuous miner machines are much more powerful. As a consequence, environmental control with respect to the prevention of frictional ignitions of methane and control of dust on continuous miners have become a cause for concern. In the five year period to 1999, continuous miners were responsible for 3 of the 6 incidents of frictional ignition associated with cutting in UK coal mines.

Wet cutting techniques are in common use on most mining machines, being acknowledged to be the most efficient means of dust control while also being able to reduce the probability of frictional ignition. However, potentially reliable wet cutting systems have only recently been developed for continuous miners and the objective of this project was to assess the practical application and implications of wet cutting systems for continuous miners working in the UK.

Surface trials carried out on one system demonstrated that it could provide both effective ventilation of the cutting zone and quenching of hot ignition sources from cutter picks, thereby preventing frictional ignitions in addition to dust suppression. The system had phased water outlet, where only the active two thirds of the total number of pick sprays were operated at any one instant. Even so, a total water flow of approximately 80 litres/min was require to achieve full benefit from the system. This water requirement is 3 to 4 times that normally used on machines in the UK and is liable to present operational difficulties at many sites. Specific benefits may be achievable with half this volume of water either for dust control by using each alternate spray, or for ignition prevention, by targeting particular high ignition risk areas of the cutter drum.

For further information contact:
Mr B Parry (01302 368165)

PROJECT LISTINGS
NEWLY COMMISSIONED PROJECTS: JULY 2000 - SEPTEMBER 2000.
Project No. Project Title Project Officer Contact No.
R01.032 Autoignition of Gaseous Hydrocarbons near a Hot Surface: Further Tests and Validation of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model against Experimental Results Dr H James 0161 952 8200
R04.082 Offsite Risk Reduction through Structural Fire Protection of Chemical Warehouses Mr A Tyldesley 0151 951 4769
R04.085 Fire Safety of Conveyor Belts Mr M Williams 0151 951 4866
R05.100 Explosives Incidents Database Advisory Service (EIDAS) Dr R Merrifield 0151 951 4804
R06.020 Igniting Power of Electrostatic Discharges in Dust Clouds Mr D Pumford 0151 951 4586
R33.088 Comparisons of Safety Levels Implicit in Structural Codes Mr B Neale 0151 951 4632
R33.091 Use and Effectiveness of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for Tree Work Mr N Craig 02476 696518
R41.113 Absolute CO Measurements as a Combustion Performance Indicator Mr A Jones 0151 951 3273
R42.111 Scaling of Aerosol Test Apparatus - Part 2 Mr E Sellars 01302 368165
Project No. Project Title Project Officer Contact No.
R43.084 Identification of Reasons for Failure Mode of Control Strategies Mr S Maidment 0151 951 3286
R45.070 Rammer Vibration: Correlation between Laboratory and Workplace Mr P Brereton 0151 951 4824
R45.071 Saw and File Vibration: Correlation between Vibration Emission and Vibration During Real Use Mr P Brereton 0151 951 4824
R51.199 Risk Assessment for Occupational Dermal Exposure Mr P Evans 0151 951 3281
R51.200 Risk Assessment for Occupational Dermal Exposure to Chemicals - Quantitative Surveys Mr P Evans 0151 951 3281
R51.202 Workshop on Susceptibility and Variability in Human Response to Occupational Exposure to Chemicals Dr J Delic 0151 951 3593
R53.173 Epidemiological Evidence for the Effectiveness of the Noise at Work Regulations Dr R McCaig 0151 951 4120
R53.183 Trials of Routine Oxygen Decompression in Compressed Air Tunnel Workers Mr D Lamont 0151 951 4818
R53.184 Evaluation of Oxygen Decompression in Compressed Air Tunnellers Mr D Lamont 0151 951 4818
R54.079 Meta Analysis - Impact of Work-Related Stress on Health Dr S Bristow 0207 717 6987
R55.092 Evidence Based Patient Handling Ms S Williams 01582 444200
X56.075 HSE Annual Accident Questions in the Labour Force Survey Mr G Stevens 0151 951 4607
R59.044 The Extension of the National Registry of Radiation Workers (NRRW) to include Historical MOD Data. Ms K Davies 0207 717 6836
R62.088 Strategies to Promote Safe Behaviour as Part of a Health and safety Management System Mr N Byrom 0151 951 4336
R64.065 Risk Assessment and Playground Safety: A Review of the Literature on Accident and Injury Prevention in UK Playgrounds Ms J Whitehead 0141 275 3000
R64.066 Reducing Exposure in the Workplace through Advanced Risk Messaging Techniques Ms S Molloy 0207 717 6188
R64.069 Determining the Incidence and Risk Factors for Non-Fatal Childhood Farm Accidents and Zoonoses in the UK Mr M Sebastian 0247 669 6518
R64.070 Portfolio Research Evaluation - A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Four Evaluations Ms G Lowe 0114 289 2365
R67.142 Development of a Standard for Defensive Train Driving Mr M Brown 0207 717 6506
R68.051 Availability, Quality and Standards of Training for Woodworking Operators and Supervisors Mr A Hodkinson 0247 669 6518
R68.058 The Evaluation of Occupational Health Advice in Primary Health Care Ms J Manson 0207 717 6229
R68.060 Research on Content and Writing of Catering Industry Guidance Publication Mr P Smith 0141 275 3000
R75.051 Railway Accident Impact Speed, Fatalities and Rolling Stock Ms K Fox 0207 717 6799
R75.052 Evaporation of Droplets Produced in Two-Phase Releases Mr D Carter 0151 951 4570
Project No. Project Title Project Officer Contact No.
R76.007 Field Trial to Study the Dispersion of Releases of Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride (AHF) in the Atmosphere Dr S Porter 0151 951 4626
R79.003 Symptom Reporting Following Exposure to Organophosphate Sheep Dip Dr R Rawbone 0151 951 4555
3816 The Impact of the Offshore and Related Energy Industry on the East of England Mr G Clark 01603 828000
3833 Failure Modes, Reliability and Integrity of FPSO and FSU Swivel and Turret Systems Mr P Dua 0207 717 6736
3876 Effects of Dynamic Loading on Structural Integrity Assessments Mr A Stacey 0207 717 6774
3888 Ringing of Concrete Gravity-Based Structures Mr D Smith 0207 717 6894
3894 Decommissioning and Removal of the Concrete Gravity Structures in the UKCS Mr G Morrison 01224 252 500
3895 Feasibility and Costs Comparison Study - Steel 'v' Composite/Adhesive for Damaged Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Hulls Mr C De Souza 0207 717 6776
3896 Local Response of Concrete Shafts/Caissons on Offshore Platforms: Strain Rates/Effects Mr V Karthigeyan 0207 717 6773
3898 Crane Information Data Project Mr J MacFarlane 0151 951 4796
3899 Guidance on Pile Fatigue and Tip Integrity Mr R Martland 0151 951 3082
3900 JIP - ISO Load Factor Calibration. Mr D Smith 0207 717 6894
3901 Completion of ISO 19902 - Fixed Structures and Associated Standards Mr D Smith 0207 717 6894
3902 On-line Diving Bell Monitor Mr D Tee 0207 717 6845

PROJECT LISTINGS
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS: JULY 2000 - SEPTEMBER 2000.
Project No. Project Title Project Officer Contact No.
R02.053 Effects of Hydrogen Sulphide Concentration on Natural Gas Mr A Jones 0151 951 3273
R02.058 Assessment of a Continuous Miner 'Wet Head' System Mr B Parry 01302 368165
R04.058 Development of Control of Fires at CIMAH II Warehouses Mr T Maddison 0151 951 4062
R05.081 EIDAS: Explosive Incidents Database Advisory Service Dr R Merrifield 0151 951 4804
R31.068 Large Size Resin Socketed Wire Rope Terminations Mr P Dua 0207 717 6736
R32.032 Pressure Vessel Head Design with Nozzles in Knuckle Region Dr P Murphy 0151 951 4754
R32.055 Safety of Hydraulic Gantry Lifting Systems Mr I Paterson 0151 951 4036
R32.065 Reduction of Manual Lubrication of Glass Forming Moulds Mr P Monaghan 01782 602300
R35.055 Dust Expert - Phase 1 Mr R Santon 0161 952 8200
R36.071 Measurement of Closing Forces at Automatic Doors and Guards Mr P Milner 0151 951 3440
R36.074 Validation of a Machine's safety-Related Control Mechanism Mr S Frost 0151 951 4968
R38.029 Industrial Use of Safety-Related Expert Systems Mr E Fergus 0151 951 3415
R41.106 Flue Performance of Domestic Gas Burning Appliances - Phase 2 Mr A Jones 0151 951 3273
R46 068 Protective Clothing in Potteries Ms L Boulton 01782 602300
Project No. Project Title Project Officer Contact No.
Z51.075 Occupational Hazards to Male Reproductive Capability Dr R Elliott 0151 951 3835
R51.118 Development of an In-Vitro Test for Aneuploidy Mr A Smith 0151 951 3404
R51.145 Development of the Knowledge-Based System (KBS) Ms E Ball 0151 951 3400
R51.159 Site of Contact Mutagenicity Testing Mr A Smith 0151 951 3404
R51.175 Application of Pesticides by Pyrotechnic Devices Mr A Garrod 0151 951 4667
R51.186 Male Fertility Workshop Ms S Wassell 0207 717 6281
R51.191 The Effects of Cannabis on Cognitive Performance - Pilot Study Ms C Duffy 0207 717 6472
R51.197 First UK Workshop on Borna Disease Virus Dr J Neilson 0207 717 6230
R54.061 Occupational Stress: Effectiveness of Organisational Interventions Mr S Lee 0207 717 6593
R54.069 Managing Post Incident Trauma in the UK Police Force Mr S Lee 0207 717 6593
R55.073 Sensory and Autonomic Function in RSI Patients Dr R McCaig 0151 951 4120
R56.084 Work Activity and the Epidemiology of Diffuse Forearm Pain Ms J Jones 0151 951 3819
R62.083 The Causes of Work-Related Road Traffic Accidents Mr P Garland 0207 717 6340
R64.022 Europeanisation of British Health and Safety Law Mr B Ecclestone 0207 717 6356
R64.047 The Solicitation and Elicitation of Expert Advice Dr R Foster 0207 717 6962
R64.048 Workforce Involvement in Health and Safety in the Chemical Industry Mr J Worth 0151 951 3391
R64.052 Portfolio Evaluation of the Research on Momentum Releases Dr M White 0114 289 2358
R64.054 Portfolio Evaluation of Research on Shiftwork Mr S Armitage 0114 289 2647
R64.060 Investigation and Evaluation of the Application of HELA's Risk Rating and Priority Inspection Regime for Health and Safety Inspections Mr N Hammond 0207 717 6431
R67.121 Training for Local Authority Health and Safety Enforcement Officers Ms M Buchan 0207 717 6441
R67.123,
Y67.123 and
Z67.123
Confidential Human Factors Reporting System - Scotrail Railways Mr D Hoddinott 0207 717 6732
R67.136 Building a Safety Culture - Case Studies in Agriculture Mr M Sebastian 0247 669 6518
R68.027 Successful Design for Health and Safety Mr K Woodward 0151 951 4514
R71.042 A Comparison of Accident Experience with QRA Methodology Mr I Hirst 0151 951 3526
Z72.030 Integrated Model to Manage and Monitor Risk at Major Hazard Sites Mr P Buckley 0151 951 3505
R72.043 User Support for MISHAP Mr I Hirst 0151 951 3526
R75.041 Efficacy of Water Deluge Against Butane Jet-Fires. Eur Ing M Goose 0151 951 4012
3255 VA Corrosion Fatigue of Jack-Up Steels Mr A Stacey 0151 951 6774
Project No. Project Title Project Officer Contact No.
3537 Assessment of Structural Inspection Scheduling Procedures Mr A Stacey 0151 951 6774
3538 Development of Statistical Models for Data Anaysis Mr A Curran 0151 951 3141
3541 Hazard Identification, Human Factors and Risk Evaluation Mr I Brearley 0207 717 6849
3543 SINTAP Mr A Stacey 0151 951 6774
3612 Reliability of Older Semi-Submersibles Mr R White 0207 717 6782
3618 Supervisors' Management of Safety Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3624 Sector Challenge: Team Based Working Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3625 Review of Analysis of Explosion Response Mr R Martland 0151 951 3082
3630 Effects of Motion on Cognitive Performance Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3633 Gas and Oil Jet Fire Testing of Passive Fire Protection Mr P Renwick 0151 951 3112
3641 Assessment of New Earthing Proposals Mr J Pearson 0151 951 3160
3666 Rationalisation of Failure Functions Mr G Morrison 0207 717 8567
3668 DIGIT Database Development: Phase 2 Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3687 Cyclic Pile Load Testing Mr R Martland 0151 951 3082
3705 Corrosion Risk Assessment for Processing Mr R Patel 0207 717 6924
3706 Microstructure following Hydrogen Embrittlement of High Strength Steel Mr R Patel 0207 717 6924
3719 Claymore Platform Wind Tunnel Test Programme Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3721 Remote Testing Offshore: Pilot Study Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3726 Gas Turbine Smoke Trials: Feasibility Study Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3730 Behaviour of Damaged Jack Ups in Severe Seas Mr P Mills 0207 717 6784
3741 FPSOs - Lessons Learned Mr G Bankes 0151 951 3150
3744 System Toughness in Structural Reliability Assessment Mr M Birkinshaw 0207 717 6775
3752 A review of Degradation of Firewater Piping and Nozzle Performance due to Blockage Mr R Patel 0207 717 6924
3774 Case Control Study Mr A Curran 0151 951 3141
3776 Development of Causation Database Mr A Curran 0151 951 3141
3786 Time of Day and Drill Floor Accidents Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3794 Marin Review of HSE Greenwater Study Mr J Millar 0207 717 6779
3798 Chain Hoist/Lever Pull Failures Mr J MacFarlane 0151 951 4796
3808 Review of Approaches for Determining FPSO Collision Resistance Mr R White 0207 717 6782
3815 Cost Effective Testing of Jacket Structural Integrity Mr M Birkinshaw 0207 717 6775
3816 The Impact of the Offshore and Related Energy Industry on the East of England Mr G Clark 01603 82 8000
3819 Hydrocarbon Release - Dry Gas Seal Integrity Mr P Dua 0207 717 6736
3820 Offshore Inspectors' Guide on Teamworking Mr R Miles 0207 717 6685
3857 Semi Submersible Rig Move Operations - Guidance Mr K Pelan 0151 951 3357
3870 Validation of Wave Response Method of Frequency Domain Analysis for Random Waves (Jack-Ups) Mr A Dixon 0151 951 3468
3891 Safety Climate Tools - Detailed Item Comparison Dr R Miles 0207 717 6685

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Series No. Contract Research Report/Offshore Technology Report: Title
CRR 269 Flue Performance of Domestic Gas Burning Appliances. Aim 1: Full-scale Test House Measurements of the Flue Performance of Open-flued Gas Fired Appliances.
CRR 270 Flue Performance of Domestic Gas Burning Appliances. Aim 2: Wind Tunnel Tests on various Model Building Configurations for Safe Flue Installation.
CRR 271 Flue Performance of Domestic Gas Burning Appliances. Aim 3: Investigation into the Performance of Extractive Flue Terminals
CRR 272 Evaluation of the Good Health is Good Business Campaign
CRR 274 Incidence of Virtual Reality Induced Symptoms and Effects (VRISE) in Desktop and Protection Screen Display Systems
CRR 275 Assessment of the Validity of Current Dense Gas Dispersion Models at Low Wind Speeds
CRR 276 Guidelines for the Inclusion of Low Wind Speed Conditions into Risk Assessments
CRR 277 Review of RELEASE Rainout Model and CCPS Data
CRR 278 Characteristics of People Working with Chemical Products in Small Firms
CRR 279 Feasibility of Developing a Simple Prototype Decision Aid for Initial Medical Assessment of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs)
CRR 280 Development and Evaluation of Diagnostic Support Aids for Upper Limb Disorders
CRR 283 Risk Perception of Sheep Dippers
CRR 284 Survey of the Recruitment Agencies Industry
CRR 285 Thermal Radiation Criteria For Vulnerable Populations
OTN 2000 002 Fracture Capacity of X65 Pipeline Girth welds Subjected to Deformation Controlled Loading
OTN 2000 008 Linepipe Specification for Deepwater Pipelines
OTN 2000 009 Calibration of Capacity Equations for Corroded Pipes
OTN 2000 010 Design Guidelines for Deep Water Pipelines
OTN 2000 011 Design Handbook for Deep Water Pipelines
OTN 2000 030 Investigation of the Effect of Test Variables on Hydrogen Permeation due to Corrosion in Sour Environments
OTN 2000 034 Assessment of Subsea Pipeline Spans
OTO 1999 026 Offshore Structural Components for Reliability Analysis - A Pilot Study on the Rationalisation of g(.) Functions
OTO 1999 058 Fatigue Design Curves for Welded Joints in Air and Seawater under Variable Amplitude Loading
OTO 1999 092 Human Factors Assessment of Safety Critical Tasks - 1999
OTO 2000 007 Pile Load Testing Performed for HSE. Cyclic Loading Study at Dunkirk, France. Volume 2
OTO 2000 008 Pile Load Testing Performed for HSE. Cyclic Loading Study at Dunkirk, France. Volume 1
OTO 2000 015 Evaluation of Diverless IRM for Subsea Completions and Deepsea Structures
OTO 2000 026 Appraisal of API RP2 FPS (Recommended Practice for Floating Production Systems)
OTO 2000 035 A Review of Degradation of Firewater Piping and Nozzle Performance due to Blockage
OTO 2000 037 A Review of Reliability Considerations for Fixed Offshore Platforms
OTO 2000 038 Development of a Structural Reliability Framework for Offshore Platforms
OTO 2000 039 Offshore Application and Sensitivity Study
OTO 2000 040 Structural System Reliability Framework for Fixed Offshore Structures - Summary Report
OTO 2000 050 Application of System Reliability for Offshore Structures
OTO 2000 052 Fatigue Reliability of Old Semi Submersibles
OTO 2000 054 Digit Database (Version 1) - User Manual
OTO 2000 056 FPSO's Lessons Learned
OTO 2000 059 Investigations into the Stability of an Intact and Damaged Jack-Up during a Wet Tow: Model Test Interpretation and Assessment
OTO 2000 064 Wire Rope Non-Destructive Testing - Survey of Instrument Manufacturers
OTO 2000 069 Resin-Socketed Termination of Offshore Wire Ropes
OTO 2000 074 Noise Exposure Limits Under Hyperbaric Conditions
OTO 2000 075 Factors which could Influence Diver Performance on Neurological Investigation